A major earthquake hit region of Abruzzo in Italy on 6 April 2009. The disaster claimed at least 294 lives, left 1,500 injured and thousands have been made homeless.
The International Federation of Social Workers sent a letter to the Italian Association of Social Workers (AssNAS; Associazione Nazionale Assistenti Sociali) expressing its condolences and its solidarity with those affected and those working to provide relief and assistance. The Italian Association has reported that many social workers play an important role in the response of the disaster, helping in social services and health care for the displaced people.
‘Social workers play an essential role following disasters’, said David N Jones, IFSW President. ‘They know the local communities and are able to provide practical and emotional support. They also play a key role in longer-term recovery.’
‘Experience around the world highlights the importance of constructing resilient house structures in quake-prone zones as an important step towards saving lives. There is also clear evidence that government investment in disaster risk reduction and preparedness saves lives and distress’, David Jones concluded.
London / Berne, April, 20, 2009
NOTE TO EDITORS
IFSW is the global federation of national social work organisations in 90 countries representing over 745,000 social workers. IFSW has special consultative status with United Nations Economic and Social Council and is also accredited to the International Labour Organization, UNICEF and the Council of Europe. IFSW is a UN Habitat partner organisation.
For more information contact General Secretary, IFSW, Bern, Switzerland
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